Budget 2012: Predictions from the experts

This Budget will focus entirely on growth and galvanising the corporate world
into pulling the UK away from a double-dip recession. Osborne is unlikely to
set out bold tax rises but instead I suspect we will see rewards for
innovation and making it more attractive to base a company on British soil.

There may be targeted but small tax breaks for the most vulnerable sections of
society, including families on low incomes and the elderly, but expect a
focus on further anti-avoidance measures including a clampdown on stamp duty
land tax avoidance.

The Finance Bill, which will follow the Budget, is likely to be scrutinized in
a way that last year's wasn't due to the ongoing situation we find ourselves
in. Many of the measures will be focused at retaining our AAA credit rating
and placating the British public, who are desperate for a spot of light at
the end of a very dark economic tunnel.